Mirabelli Says He's No Palmeiro Fan

RED SOX NOTEBOOK

BOSTON — Rafael Palmeiro makes his first visit to Fenway Park this weekend since he tested positive for steroids as the Red Sox start a three-game series tonight against the Orioles.

The last time the Red Sox saw Palmeiro he was hitting balls over the right field wall at Camden Yards, closing in on 3,000 hits and inching his way toward Cooperstown.

``I've never been a Palmeiro fan,'' said catcher Doug Mirabelli, who played with the disgraced slugger in Texas.

Several players refused comment on Palmeiro, who hit three homers and drove in nine runs to help the Orioles take three of four from the Red Sox in that July series.

``That was some really strong stuff he put in his body,'' Johnny Damon said. ``He's had to live with it. He's put earplugs in. That's something that goes with testing positive when he strongly denied it.''

Palmeiro, who wore earplugs in Toronto this week after he was vociferously booed, was hitting .077 (2-for-26) with no homers since returning from a 10-game suspension Aug. 14. His slump cost him his job as the everyday first baseman.

But don't expect any sympathy from Red Sox players.

``It's not my place to judge him,'' Trot Nixon said. ``I'm sure it's difficult enough. This is a conversation that I'm not going to say much about.''

Damon said he always respected Palmeiro as a person and as a player.

``And I still do,'' Damon said. ``The accomplishments he's had in his career are just awesome. I just wish he never would have taken the stuff.''

Kevin Millar said he also respects Palmeiro even though he will forever be linked with steroids.

``Obviously, Palmeiro came out with a positive, but it's still a tough game. So I respect him,'' Millar said.

More than 35,000 fans are sure to voice their opinions this weekend when Palmeiro comes to bat.

``You know how it's going to be,'' David Ortiz said.

Foulke Leads Additions

Keith Foulke, who was activated from the disabled list, was one of four players the Red Sox added. Lefthander Matt Perisho and infielder Alejandro Machado were called up from Pawtucket. Righthander Chad Harville, claimed off waivers from Houston Monday, also joined the team.

Manager Terry Francona said he doesn't anticipate using Foulke in save situations just yet.

``Our goal is to get him to be kind of the dominant guy we can lean on. We're not there yet,'' Francona said. ``I don't think it's fair.''

Machado, who was acquired from Washington in February for cash, has played mostly second and short. He stole 21 bases in 25 attempts, giving him 175 steals in seven minor league seasons.

Perisho, who was released by the Marlins July 31, went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 13 relief appearances with Pawtucket.

Manny's Day Off

Because the Red Sox are in a stretch of playing 30 games in 30 days, Francona wants to pick a day to rest his regulars. Manny Ramirez got his day off Thursday.

Based on what he saw Wednesday night, Francona said it looked like Ramirez could use a day to rest.

``He chased about four or five pitches out of the zone that looked to me like he's starting to get tired,'' Francona said. ``We could run him out there and he'd do it, but I don't know if that makes sense.'' ... Second baseman Tony Graffanino (hamstring) missed his second straight game. ... Lefthander Lenny DiNardo is expected to make his first big league start tonight in place of David Wells, who is serving his suspension. DiNardo (6-3, 3.15 ERA) made 22 starts and one relief appearance for Pawtucket. He has a 10.80 ERA in three relief appearances with the Red Sox. ... The Red Sox scored 190 runs in August, the most in the majors. The last time they scored more in a month was June 1961 (194). ... The Red Sox are 12-4 against the Devil Rays. By sweeping the four-game series, the Red Sox evened their record to 26-26 against American League East teams. ... Bill Mueller went 0-for-4, ending his 14-game hitting streak. He hit .368 (21-for-57) in the streak. ... Bronson Arroyo is 5-1 with a 3.77 ERA in six games (five starts) against Tampa Bay. Probables for Orioles series: DiNardo vs. John Maine (1-1, 2.70) tonight; Matt Clement (12-3, 4.27) vs. Erik Bedard (6-5, 3.42) Saturday; Wells (11-6, 4.44) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (13-8, 4.85) Sunday.